230 THE GARDENER. [May 



but many will ratlier consider these points a decided advantage, and 

 to them more particularly I would address the following notes on its 

 culture. Good, strong imported plants may be bought by the dozen 

 at a few shillings each — cheaper, in fact, than the better or rarer kinds 

 of stove plants and ferns ; while established plants may be obtained 

 for a slight additional outlay. In the case of imported plants there is 

 always the possibility of obtaining fine varieties, this being perhaps 

 the most variable of all Orchids, if we except Cattleya Mossise and C. 

 Triania\ The flowers of this species are thick and wax-like, lasting 

 five or six weeks in bloom, often longer, and their delicate perfume is 

 an additional attraction. The colours of this species, as shown by its 

 innumerable forms, vary from the purest of whites to the deepest 

 crimson imaginable ; and in some cases nearly all the intermediate 

 shades and tints may be found in a single flower. This plant has 

 frequently been recommended as a " drawing-room " Orchid ; and it 

 certainly is a charming embellishment to the most superb apartment 

 when in full flower ; and the pleasure of having it in such positions 

 may be enjoyed without any apprehension of the plant itself 

 sustaining material injury, supposing that ordinary precautions be 

 taken to exclude frost in sharp weather. I saw a fine little specimen 

 the other day on a drawing-room table bearing twelve flowers, and its 

 owner assured me that it had been in the room a month, and that he 

 expected his gardener would allow it to remain another fortnight at 

 least. This plant was protected from the aridity of the atmosphere 

 and the efi"ects of the gas by being covered with a glass shade ; and the 

 pot top being covered with fresh green Sphagnum and Selaginella, the 

 whole arrangement had a very pretty effect. There are many more 

 Orchids that may be used in a similar way, though few last so long as 

 this in flower. Lycastes, like most other Orchids, should be grown in 

 small pots. Over-potting is always a mistake ; more especially is this 

 the case when Orchids are concerned, and it should be avoided as 

 much as possible. The pots must be well drained by being at least 

 half full of clean crocks or lumps of fresh charcoal ; and a layer of moss 

 being placed above these, the compost may be added. This should 

 consist of fibrous peat in small lumps, and living Sphagnum, to which 

 a few broken crocks and a little white sand may be added. Keep the 

 bulbs well up above the rim of the pot, and finish up with a layer of 

 fresh Sphagnum moss, the latter when growing adding considerably to 

 the economy as well as the appearance of the plant. When making 

 their growth, Lycastes must have an abundant supply of tepid water • 

 and occasional syringings will be found beneficial in assisting their 

 growth and in keeping insect pests in check. They should never 

 be thoroughly dry at the root, nor should their pseudo-bulbs be 



